This fall I have been photographing high school football for my local newspaper, the Independent Tribune. This past Friday (11/12/10) was week one of the NCHSAA playoffs, and I covered the division 3A game between the West Iredell (Statesville, NC) Warriors and the Northwest Cabarrus (Concord, NC) Trojans. Northwest Cabarrus is literally in my “backyard” and I had photographed two regular season games there (9/24 vs. Concord and 10/15 vs. Hickory Ridge). The lighting at Trojan Stadium is OK – ISO 6400, 1/640 f2.8 for most if the field (I am soooo thankful for the Canon EOS Mark IV body and it’s high ISO capabilities). The ability to be able to photograph night football games without the use of flash has been incredible!
Captains from the West Iredell Warriors and Northwest Cabarrus Trojans shake hands prior to the start of their NCHSAA playoff game at Northwest Cabarrus high school on November 12, 2010. Photo copyright 2010 Brian Westerholt / Sports On Film
The game was a defensive battle, with West Iredell taking a slim 10-7 lead to the locker room at half-time. The would extend the lead to 17-7 before Northwest Cabarrus would score 13 unanswered points and hold on for the 20-17 win. Northwest Cabarrus advances to face two-time defending state champions West Rowan, winners of 42 consecutive games.
Damon Bostick #51 of the Northwest Cabarrus Trojans celebrates after making a defensive stop against the West Iredell Warriors at Trojan Stadium November 12, 2010, in Concord, North Carolina. The Trojans defeated the Warriors 20-17. Photo copyright 2010 Brian Westerholt / Sports On Film
CJ Gibbs #3 of the West Iredell Warriors can't find the handle on a kick-off against the Northwest Cabarrus Trojans at Trojan Stadium November 12, 2010, in Concord, North Carolina. The Trojans defeated the Warriors 20-17. Photo copyright 2010 Brian Westerholt / Sports On Film
